Multiplex Carbon Biosensor for Rapid Electrical Pathogen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biological assays for diagnosing illnesses like COVID-19 are delayed, costly, and lack accessibility, leading to inaccurate reporting and hindered economic recovery.

Innovation Solution

A biosensor system utilizing an anti-static substrate with spatially defined active areas of carbon material and electrodes, capable of detecting pathogens through electrical impedance changes in a biological sample, enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical-based detectors and labeled detector molecules are used for diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to delayed results and multiple interactions required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical-based detection systems with an electrical field-based detection system using a field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor. The FET detects target molecules through electrical impedance changes in the biological sample, eliminating the need for optical detectors and labeled detector molecules. This substitution enables rapid, real-time detection while maintaining diagnostic accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If optical-based detectors and labeled detector molecules are used for diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidassay complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simplified electrical field-based FET biosensor system. The FET uses standard electrical components (source, drain, gate electrodes) and detects targets through electrical impedance changes, eliminating the need for optical detectors, excitation light sources, and labeled detector molecules. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable biosensor cartridge containing the FET and capture molecules, which is replaced after each use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex cleaning, calibration, and maintenance procedures associated with reusable optical systems, further reducing operational complexity and cost while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If optical-based detectors and labeled detector molecules are used for diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to testing spread over several interactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidtesting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical-based detection with electrical field-based FET detection, enabling real-time, continuous monitoring of biological samples. The FET provides instantaneous electrical impedance readings as targets bind to capture molecules, eliminating the incubation and reading delays inherent in optical assays. This enables high-throughput testing and multiple diagnoses within a single patient interaction, directly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If conventional biological assays are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility and delayed results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidtesting accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simplified electrical field-based FET biosensor that provides rapid, real-time results. The electrical detection system requires minimal sample preparation and provides immediate readings, making the test easier to perform and interpret. Combined with the disposable cartridge design, this enables point-of-care testing in diverse settings, dramatically improving ease of operation and accessibility while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The biosensor provides nearly instantaneous detection of multiple antibody/antigen pairs from a single drop of saliva, facilitating timely treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

capable of detecting pathogens through electrical impedance changes in a biological sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250320568A1Multiplex biosensor for rapid point-of-care diagnostics

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 HEMEMICS BIOTECH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to carbon-based biosensors and biosensor systems. The disclosure further relates to methods of rapidly detecting a target material in a biological sample using the biosensor and biosensor systems described herein to characterize a pathogen's antigen profile and/or a subject's immune response to pathogen exposure, providing an innovative point-of-care biosensor device.